Your tenancy

Your tenancy agreement explains what you, the tenant, can expect from us, the council. As a council tenant, you have a range of rights and responsibilities that are explained in the tenancy agreement.

View your tenancy on the Tenants Portal (opens new window).

Tenancy agreement responsibilities

By signing your tenancy agreement, you have made a legally binding agreement with us, the council, to keep to the terms and conditions of the agreement. It is an important document, so you should read it carefully and keep it safe. The tenant's self service area of this website aims to provide advice and guidance on what your tenancy agreement means and how to ensure you don't break any of its conditions. To meet your responsibilities as a tenant we expect you to;

• pay your rent on time and in full
• look after your home
• behave appropriately
• be a responsible neighbour.

Introductory tenancy

New tenants will start on 'introductory tenancies'. An introductory tenancy is a trial period, usually for the first 12 months. After the trial period, tenants will automatically become a secure tenant if they have kept to the terms and conditions of the tenancy agreement, and we have not started possession proceedings during the introductory period. An introductory tenant has fewer rights than a secure tenant and you can be evicted if they don't comply with the terms and conditions of the tenancy.

Before we make a decision to extend your introductory tenancy or to evict you, we will advise you of our intentions. As part of our decision to extend or evict, we will also include the reasons why and how you can appeal our decision. Introductory tenants have the right to;

• have repairs completed
• succeed (pass on) their tenancy
• be consulted.

Secure tenancy

Secure tenants can live in the property for as long as they wish, as long as the conditions of the tenancy are followed. A secure tenancy gives tenants the right to;

• buy the property, after a qualifying period of time
• sub-let or take in a lodger
• improve the home
• exchange or assign (legally transfer) the home.